Miscanthus among perennial bioenergy crops in northern EU, has been promoted during last decade for heat and power production. After cultivating more than 12,000 hectares in UK, too low average yields (10-12 odt/ha per year) and high costs of delivered biomass (60-140 €/odt) are becoming major constraints

Bioenergy crops in marginal lands have been always a focus of attention for researchers, bioenergy companies and governments. But those areas would clearly have lower yields. Are lower cost feasible in those regions?.

Several studies and reports confirm that Asian biomass co-firing grows . China, Japan and South Korea are the main consumers while new opportunities and investments are increasingly flowing in the region.

A semiarid country like Spain, often have very low grain yields and per hectare income from winter cereals. Since a 16MW straw based power plant in Bivriesca, Burgos, started 200.000 tons/yr and 12M € have been part of the local economy.

The sustainable use of energy crops for biogas is a possible solution to reduce the contribution to climate change of human activities. Power based on biomass, in particular biogas, is increasing, with a concomitant increase in the need for energy crop production.

There is an increasing interest worldwide on developing sustainable bioenergy alternatives for low competitive lands where food production profitability is scarce or where soils and climates are not suited for traditional activities or have no market access and low competitiveness.

An amazing finding in second generation bioethanol from perennial grasses has shown a promising result. Scientists at the USDA might have found a way to keep switchgrass forever young and better for cellulosic ethanol.

Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social, Brazil’s development bank, approved a 488.6 million-real loan ($241 million) to Adecoagro SA (AGRO) for a sugar- cane mill to produce ethanol as the agricultural company seeks to position itself for a looming fuel deficit.